Formally referred as the 15 July Martyrs Bridge, the Istanbul Bosphorus Bridge is way beyond a mere architectural spectacle, but epitomizes connection and unity. Completed in the year 1973, it paves the way for incredible sights, marking a landmark in the history of Turkey. Whether crossed by endless commuters daily, sailed beneath, or observed from the shores, this famous bridge in Istanbul provides charismatic glance into the core of a city which immaculately unifies modernity with tradition.
Ideal Visiting Time
This much-loved Istanbul Bridge can best be visited during the night hours to observe its wonderful LED lights, thus making it a highly Insta-worthy site in Istanbul. For exclusive vistas, opt for a magnificent night cruise. Walking enthusiasts can join the November Istanbul Marathon, the biggest race in Turkey, and the sole time pedestrians have the flexibility of crossing the bridge.
Getting There
For reaching Ortaköy from Sultanahmet one needs to take the T1 tram to Kabataş and then change to buses going there from Kabataş. Another good route is a boat trip starting at Eminönü but avoid Sundays as there are no ferries operational on that day. Use ferry boats to travel across the Bosphorus to Üsküdar whereupon after alighting catch Beylerbeyi Palace-bound buses.
Enthralling Facts
Let’s delve deep into some enthralling facts associated with the Bosphorus Bridge in Istanbul,
Its length measures about 1560 meters while the deck measures about 33.5 meters
It is an insignia of the country
The bridge is forbidden to be crossed on foot
A toll bridge exists that does not accept card/cash payment but only through a toll transponder
Today approximately 180,000 cars pass on this bridge daily
Today the worth of this bridge is about US$300 million
It is placed in Istanbul’s Bosphorus Strait, connecting the Black Sea at one end and on the other the Sea of Marmara
This bridge was designed by English engineers, with construction commencing in 1970. Inca, a Turkish company in association with foreign firms, finished it in 1973, stretching the strait.
Owing to the urgent requirement for a bridge that links Asia and Europe, Adnan Menderes, Turkish Prime Minister during the era in 1957 decided to make a suspension bridge. With Freeman Fox an agreement had been made for completing the project’s engineering plans.
It ranks ninth universally by length amongst suspension bridges and third rank in Turkey, followed by the Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror Bridge & Sultan Selim Bridge.
Finest Way to Tour Bosphorus Bridge
The optimal means of admiring the astonishing Bosphorus Bridge along with its environs is via a lovely Bosphorus cruise that initiates from a leading tourist spot, the Golden Horn. This scenic excursion provides room for clicking incredible pictures of legendary milestone en route. Bosphorus Bridge connects which countries? It connects Istanbul’s Asian and European sides.
Cultural Impact
This bridge has shaped Turkish culture profoundly, surfacing in cinema, art, and literature, as an emblem of connection and unity. Time and again, events and festivals honor this bridge, laying emphasis on Istanbul’s visitors and residents.
Other Bridges in Istanbul
Other colossal structural developments in Turkey include suspension bridges that light up at night and various global tourist destinations. Another part of the Bosphorus is the Second Bridge named as the Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror Bridge having the length of 1090 meters and located 164 meters above the Bosphorus built in 1988. It is also dubbed after Fatih Sultan Mehmet who invaded Istanbul in 1453 and it is among the world’s longest suspension bridge. The contemporary bridge Sultan Selim I constructed in 2016 with the length of 2164 meters and the height of 320 meters to address congestion woes. At the same time, it remains the only city in the world to boast three great suspension bridges.
Places to Observe Adjacent Bosphorus Bridge
Discover the vivid environs of the Bosphorus Bridge, which houses Istanbul’s most celebrated sights and cultural charms within its district. There are abundant attractions for every tourist counting historical spectacles and striking shorelines within this region. Places to Visit around Bosphorus Bridge entails,
1.Blue Mosque:
Famed for its towering minarets and arresting blue tiles, the Blue Mosque/Sultan Ahmed Mosque provides a striking architecture and calm milieu that appeals visitors from the world over.
2. Hagia Sophia:
A spectacle of Byzantine construction, the intricate mosaics and grand dome narrates the saga of Istanbul’s deep rooted history, merging Islamic and Christian influences within an awe-inspiring exhibit of cultural inheritance. This is amongst the premier things to do in Bosphorus.
3. Ortakoy Mosque:
Perched along the outstanding Bosphorus, the charms of this mosque coupled with its subtle Baroque architecture and quaint setting, provides panoramic sights of the bridge together with a vivacious local setting.
Cafes and Restaurants Adjoining the Bridge
Istanbul has carved a niche for its delectable cuisines. Savoring meals however at a café or restaurant on the gorgeous Bosphorus Bridge is simply out of the box. Premier names comprise,
Bosphorus Rooftop Restaurant
Highlights- gorgeous Istanbul skyline vistas, excellent Turkish delicacies, traditional desserts, local wines.
Banyn
Highlights- panoramic Bosphorus vistas, delectable Asian fusion cuisines, gorgeous backdrop, fine décor.
Mado
Highlights- scenic beauty, authentic Turkish desserts, rich Turkish coffee, picturesque setting.
Accommodation
Shangri-La Bosphorus Istanbul
InterContinental Istanbul
Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus
Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus
Shopping Centers
Kanyon Shopping Center
Akmerkez
Forum Istanbul Alisveris Merkezi
Istinye Park Mall
Final Analysis
The Bosphorus Bridge along with being a testimony to engineering proficiency and human ingenuity is also an eternal emblem of Istanbul’s spirit. Uniting cultures and continents, this bridge embodies Istanbul’s vivacious future and deep-rooted history. Whether experienced up front or from afar, crossing this bridge is a remarkable expedition through space and time, where East and West come together, and the past congregate the future.
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